Historic Win for Aussie Sharks
The Australian men’s water polo team has finished fifth at the FINA World League Super Final in Italy, after recording an historic win over European heavyweights Hungary in their ranking match.
The Sharks’ 9-6 win was their first success over Hungary in 11 years and meant the side came as close as possible to matching their fourth placed effort at the corresponding event in 2014, providing the team with confidence ahead of next month’s FINA World Championships in Kazan, Russia.
Although frustrated by their inconsistent early week form, Australia had conceded just 39 goals in their first five games, equal to Hungary as the best in tournament to that point.
Hungary looked dangerous early in the encounter, making it clear to the Australians that they would need to work hard if they were to beat them for the first time at the world league since 2004, with victory at a FINA eventprior to that coming atthe 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
Uncharacteristic of their earlier games, Australia’s winning effort was due to a strong third quarter, where Richie Campbell pierced the Hungarian defence with three goals that set up the victory against the traditionally strong European side.
Australia’s early offensive effort was tentative, instead relying on defence and solidarity from goalkeeper Joel Dennerley to hold Hungary to a single goal. It wasn’t until the six minute mark that the Sharks came alive, Nathan Power scoring on the post, while WAIS athlete Aaron Younger sent home a powerful five metre shot to see Australia hold a 2-1 lead at the break.
The Sharks wasted little time in the second term, as Johnno Cotterill snuck under the radar with a well-timed drive to score his first goal of the game. Hungary responded in the very next play and soon after made it two unanswered goals to equalise with Australia, the score 3-3 at half time.
Australia were undeniably strong in the third term as Campbell romped to three successive goals to break the game wide open, while Power again capitalised on the post and helped the Sharks to a 7-5 lead at the final break.
Playing with renewed confidence, Australia held a four goal lead early in the final term courtesy of Younger with his second and a rocket by Aidan Roach that found the back of the cage.
Although they wouldn’t score again, Dennerley led Australia’s defence to withstand wave after wave of Hungarian attack, securing a drought breaking win in the process.
WAIS was represented by Aaron Younger, Joel Swift and George Ford, whilst WAIS men’s water polo coach Paul Oberman is on the coaching staff for the Sharks.
-with WaterPoloAus
